Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Transformative Benefits of Collaboration in Early Learning

By: Shannon Burhans | President & CEO, Portage Township YMCA

In the dynamic landscape of education, fostering collaboration between organizations has proven to be a catalyst for innovation and positive change. There is no doubt the crucial role that preschool plays in a child's early development, providing a foundation for future academic, social, and emotional success.

Preschool provides a structured learning environment where children can acquire essential pre-academic skills such as early literacy, numeracy, and basic cognitive abilities. Preschool also includes activities that enhance both fine and gross motor skills. Manipulating small objects, drawing, painting, and engaging in physical activities contribute to the development of coordination and control. Improved motor skills support a child's ability to perform everyday tasks, participate in sports, and engage in academic activities that require hand-eye coordination.

As such, the Portage Township YMCA has been in the early learning space for over 45 years. We provide exposure to letters, numbers, shapes, and colors in a playful setting to help children develop a strong foundation for future learning, making the transition to elementary school smoother. Funding for early learning has always been a challenge in our state, so collaboration between our organization and the United Way of Northwest Indiana has significantly enhanced the delivery of our active learning preschool program.

The partnership between the Portage Township YMCA and United Way of Northwest Indiana allowed the purchase and installation of Lü--an interactive playground that helps our teachers accomplish both learning and motor skill development. The Lü transforms traditional learning environments into immersive and interactive spaces using a vast catalog of purposeful activities and world-class audiovisual equipment. It’s a smart space that understands in real-time the behaviors and interactions of people within it.

Not only has teaming up with UWNI helped provide creative new ways for our students to learn, but we have also been able to support staff education. The teamwork between our two organizations to support early learning through an active learning preschool program is a powerful force for positive change. Through a shared commitment to strengthening community, we created an environment that nurtures the holistic development of young minds. Together, we are able to contribute to shaping the leaders of tomorrow, instilling in them a love for learning that will last a lifetime.